women to watch 2015

Lisa Ferrell

CEO/President

women to watch 2015

Lisa Ferrell

CEO/President

Rockwater Village is a front porch-friendly neighborhood on the riverfront of my hometown, North Little Rock. Inspired by Seaside, Florida, it is designed to be the neighborhood we all wish we grew up in — neighbors visiting, classic architecture, and on the water. We just opened Rockwater Marina, downtown’s only full-service marina. As CEO/President, I get to use my skills from my work in business, law and government to have an impact on our community. Every day offers diverse challenges, and I love resolving them with the help of a lot of smart, dedicated folks.

pressing questions

How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

I saw how underappreciated our riverfront was. Other cities use riverfronts to create a high quality of life and economic opportunity. I wanted to help revitalize our city. Thanks to leadership and vision by many, we now surpass other cities.

Favorite part of living in Little Rock?

We have a great lifestyle, the excitement of all the transformation of downtown and the riverfront. The bike trail, downtown living, a re-born entertainment and cultural district in North Little Rock and Little Rock are to be envied by other cities.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Determine your strengths and then focus your career and your business on those passions. You’ll be more effective and happier in your career. Be persistent in your path and seek opportunities to help others fulfill their potential and their dreams.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Leading the transformation of forgotten, vacant land into a walkable, sustainable community of homes, a marina and businesses. When others get as excited as I am, I know we are on the right path.

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career and how did you overcome them?

The Great Recession challenged us all. We worked even harder, sought other opportunities outside of the box, worked with friends and our network to help each other, and finally, I suspect luck and grace played a huge part too.

Who is your role model?

My mother and father. Winston Churchill described the everyday heroes of WWII saying, “Every morn brought forth a noble chance, and every chance brought forth a noble knight.” My parents have been those noble knights then and throughout their lives.

I wish I knew how to ________.

Jet ski; it looks like so much fun.

How do you define success?

Loving and being loved by my family and friends, persevering to accomplish my goals, and making a positive difference in people's lives.

It's all in the details...

Neighborhood you live in

Little Rock

Hometown

North Little Rock

Last good read

"Harry Potter" with my kids

Favorite Food

Chocolate

Favorite Lunch Spot

Rotary Club at the Clinton Presidential Library

First thing you do at the office each morning

Read and respond to overnight emails.

Last splurge

2005 Ford 150; it's a beauty

Hobbies

Have parties with friends and family at the marina, and anything that involves the whole family

Lisa is just one woman to watch in 2015

ABOUT SOIRÉE

Little Rock Soirée is central Arkansas' most-read monthly magazine that celebrates all that's good in Little Rock-good people, good parties, good food and good culture.

MISSION

To capture the style and culture of Little Rock and its people and to be the ultimate guide to the best the city has to offer.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

With an audience of 96,000*, Little Rock Soirée is THE most-read monthly magazine in central Arkansas. In each issue, Soirée features Little Rock residents - through compelling stories and captivating photography - who are leading the pack in the arts, business, fashion and philanthropy. We also bring our readers the best of Little Rock's cultural offerings, cuisine, events, party photos, and attractions, and the most comprehensive event calendar in the city.